Monet’s living art in Giverny

Visiting Oscar-Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny this June felt truly magical. To walk through the very landscapes that inspired ‘the father of impressionism’ to repeatedly paint nature in all its beauty was an unforgettable experience. Blissfully strolling along 4 acres of lush green paths lined with a profusion of vibrant flowers—fiery reds, oranges, purples, and pinks—with buzzing bees and birds chirping in the background, it felt like stepping into one of Monet’s canvases. Occasionally, I noticed gardeners quietly tending to the blooms, yet as a visitor, it’s easy to remain oblivious to what it actually takes to preserve his living masterpiece.

Red Poppies

In August, a Wall Street Journal article shed light on the immense efforts required to keep Monet’s vision alive. When Monet moved to Giverny in 1883, he devoted himself to designing and cultivating the gardens that would become the heart of his art for the rest of his days. He didn't document his plantings in journals or written instructions—just his paintings and drawings were a testament to his gardening expertise.

Today, maintaining the gardens as they were during his lifetime is a complex task. Each year, over 520,000 plants are required to keep the gardens lush and it’s not always easy to source the same varieties, especially since trends in horticulture have shifted toward larger, sturdier blooms that don’t always match the exact varieties that Monet planted.

Documenting which flowers Monet planted has required a detective’s eye—drawing from old photographs, the recollections of friends, and the paintings themselves. After Monet’s death, the gardens fell into disrepair and became overgrown, adding yet another layer of difficulty to the restoration process. Now, global warming poses new challenges: milder winters with less snow but more rainfall encourage pests and plant diseases that were far less common in Monet’s time.

While exploring the grounds, I noticed a field of wild poppies just beyond the manicured gardens. Curious, I climbed onto a bench for a better view over the fence. I saw bright red poppies growing freely in contrast to the carefully composed flower beds. It felt spontaneous and natural. Reading the article, I was surprised to learn that earlier this year, gardeners had intentionally scattered 40 pounds of poppy seeds to recreate that “wild” beauty. Even the seemingly untouched landscape, I realized, was a carefully orchestrated homage to Monet’s artistry.

Monet family gravesite